Exhibit 99.1
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Media Contact:
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Investor Contact: |
Barbara Henderson
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Anthony Runnels |
SVP, Worldwide Corp. Comm.
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Sr. Manager, Investor Relations |
(310) 410-9600 ext. 32736
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(310) 410-9600 ext. 32205 |
HERBALIFE LTD. ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY UNAUDITED FOURTH QUARTER 2006
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Company Provides Revised 2007 Guidance
LOS ANGELES, January 4, 2007 Herbalife Ltd. (NYSE: HLF) today announced it anticipates
reporting record net sales between $482.7 and $484.7 million for its fourth quarter ended December
31, 2006 when it files its annual report on Form 10-K in late February 2007, reflecting a
year-over-year increase between 18.0 percent and 18.5 percent. The expected net sales results
reflect strong double digit growth in the U.S., Mexico and several South American and Southeast
Asian markets. Our distributors had a tremendously successful year expanding their businesses into
new markets and more deeply penetrating existing markets, said Michael O. Johnson, the companys
chief executive officer. As a result, we believe the 2006 goal of exceeding $3.0 billion in retail
sales1 has been achieved, he continued.
Based on its expected net sales growth, the company anticipates that fourth quarter 2006 diluted
earnings per share will be within its previously announced range of $0.52 to $0.55, excluding
expenses associated with its realignment for growth initiative.
2007 Guidance
Based upon its preliminary fourth quarter 2006 financial results, the company is updating its full
year 2007 guidance to reflect current business trends and is also providing first quarter 2007
guidance.
For the full year 2007, the company is reaffirming its previously announced diluted earnings per
share guidance of $2.40 to $2.47, excluding expenses associated with its realignment for growth
initiative. This guidance reflects net sales growth of between 6.0 percent and 10.0 percent
(compared to 10.0 percent to 15.0 percent initially issued on November 6, 2006), coupled with
improved operating margins and a lower effective tax rate.
The companys outlook for net sales growth in 2007 reflects current business trends, primarily
slower than expected net sales growth in Mexico. The company expects the adverse impact on overall
2007 net sales growth from this recent trend in Mexico will be partially offset by net sales growth
in several other countries, primarily the U.S.
The company is also providing first quarter 2007 guidance with expected net sales growth in the
range of between 6.0 percent and 10.0 percent, an effective tax rate between 35.0 percent and 36.0
percent and diluted earnings per share guidance in the range of $0.50 to $0.55, excluding expenses
associated with its realignment for growth initiative.
Investor Conference Call
Herbalifes management team will host an investor call to discuss its updated 2007 guidance and
current business trends. The conference call will be conducted on Friday, January 5, 2007 at 8 a.m.
PST (11 a.m. EST). The conference call numbers are (866) 802-4328 for domestic calls and (703)
639-1322 for calls made from outside the United States. An audio replay will be available
following the completion of the conference call in MP3 format or by dialing (866) 837-8032
(domestic callers) and (703) 925-2474 (international callers) and entering access code 1022392.
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1 |
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See Schedule B Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures for more detail. |
About Herbalife Ltd.
Herbalife (http://www.herbalife.com) is a global network marketing company that sells
weight-management, nutritional supplements and personal care products intended to support a healthy
lifestyle. Herbalife products are sold in 63 countries through a network of more than one million
independent distributors. The company supports the Herbalife Family Foundation
(http://www.herbalifefamily.org) and its Casa Herbalife program to bring good nutrition to
children. Please visit Investor Relations (http://ir.herbalife.com) for additional financial
information.
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are
forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are
forward-looking statements for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any
projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies
and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services
or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements
of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking
statements may include the words, may, will, estimate, intend, continue, believe,
expect, or anticipate and any other similar words.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in any of our forward-looking statements
are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of
our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as well
as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and to inherent risks and uncertainties,
such as those disclosed or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Important factors that
could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ
materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements include, among
others, the following:
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our relationship with, and our ability to influence the actions of, our distributors; |
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adverse publicity associated with our products or network marketing organization; |
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uncertainties relating to interpretation and enforcement of recently enacted
legislation in China governing direct selling; |
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risk of our inability to obtain the necessary licenses to conduct a direct selling
business in China; |
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adverse changes in the Chinese economy, Chinese legal system or Chinese governmental
policies; |
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risk of improper action by our employees or international distributors in violation of
applicable law; |
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changing consumer preferences and demands; |
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the competitive nature of our business; |
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regulatory matters governing our products, including potential governmental or
regulatory actions concerning the safety or efficacy of our products, and network
marketing program, including the direct selling market in which we operate; |
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risks associated with operating internationally, including foreign exchange risks; |
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our dependence on increased penetration of existing markets; |
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contractual limitations on our ability to expand our business; |
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our reliance on our information technology infrastructure and outside manufacturers; |
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the sufficiency of trademarks and other intellectual property rights; |
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product concentration; |
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our reliance on our management team; |
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uncertainties relating to the application of transfer pricing, duties and similar tax
regulations; |
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taxation relating to our distributors; and |
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product liability claims. |
SCHEDULE A: 2007 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
2007 Guidance
For the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2007
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Three Months Ended |
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Twelve Months Ended |
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March 31, 2007 |
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December 31, 2007 |
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Low |
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High |
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Low |
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High |
Net sales growth vs. 2006 |
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6.0 |
% |
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10.0 |
% |
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6.0 |
% |
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10.0 |
% |
Effective tax rate |
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35.0 |
% |
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36.0 |
% |
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35.0 |
% |
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36.0 |
% |
Diluted EPS (1) |
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$ |
0.50 |
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$ |
0.55 |
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$ |
2.40 |
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$ |
2.47 |
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Cap Ex ($ mms) |
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$ |
10.0 |
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$ |
15.0 |
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$ |
35.0 |
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$ |
45.0 |
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(1) |
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Excludes expenses expected to be incurred relating to the companys realignment for growth initiative. |
SCHEDULE B: RECONCILATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The following is a reconciliation of retail sales to net sales. The companys use of retail sales
reflects the fundamental role of retail sales in the companys accounting systems, internal
controls and operations, including the basis upon which the companys independent distributors are
paid.
Preliminary Reconciliation of Retail Sales to Net Sales (unaudited)
For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2006
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Twelve Months Ended |
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December 31, 2006 |
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(in billions, estimated) |
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Retail sales |
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$ |
3.1 |
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Distributor allowance |
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(1.5 |
) |
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Product sales |
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$ |
1.6 |
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Handling and freight income |
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0.3 |
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Net sales |
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$ |
1.9 |
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